07/09/2026
New reporting from ABC15 confirms what we see every summer: Arizona seniors are among the most vulnerable to extreme heat — and the risk is highest for those aging in place.
Maricopa County's 2025 heat death report found that people 50+ made up nearly half of outdoor heat deaths and the vast majority of indoor heat deaths last year.
For seniors receiving in-home care, a caregiver's daily check-in can be the difference between catching a problem early and a medical emergency. Our own Steve Alfonsi spoke with ABC15 about why in-person visits matter so much — AC units fail quietly, and confusion or dizziness can set in before a senior even realizes something's wrong.
Arizona doesn't require a license to open a home care agency. That's exactly why AZNHA exists — we set industry standards so families can trust the care their loved one is getting, especially during our most dangerous months.
📖 Read the full story: https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/valley-seniors-among-highest-risk-for-heat-related-death-groups-trying-to-change-that
If you have a loved one aging in place, here's what to do today:
✅ Check in daily if you can
✅ Confirm the AC is actually keeping up
✅ Make sure they're drinking water, even if they're not thirsty
✅ Know the warning signs: confusion, rapid pulse, nausea, heavy sweating (or none at all)
✅ If you're hiring a caregiver, ask about their heat-safety training and whether the agency is AZNHA-affiliated
Senior residents are among the most at-risk during extreme heat in Maricopa County, leading last year's indoor heat deaths and making up nearly half of outdoor heat deaths.
